36 pickup stake pocket wood rails ??

[Scott H in Wheaton]

I'm starting to mock up the wood rails to go along the top of my 1/2 ton bed.

I plan to use oak.
1x4 (3/4" x 3.5") rails and 2x2 (1.5 x 1.5) in the stake pockets.
I've notched the uprights 1/8" so I get full size above the pocket but you need to remove some for it to fit down in the pocket.
One full rail across the front and down both sides.
Then a second rail across the front but only half way down the sides.
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[Scott H in Wheaton]

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[Scott H in Wheaton]

The sides will be attached with old fashioned square head bolts mortised into the board.
I don't have the bolts yet but I'm looking for either 1/4-20 x 2" or 5/16-18 x 2"
This is a practice piece.
I have a corner mortising chisel on order to give me nice crisp lines.
I'm using Forstner bits in a drill press to sink the holes.
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[Scott H in Wheaton]

The bolts will be held in with square nuts and washers, also mortised into the back side of the upright stakes.
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[Scott H in Wheaton]

A close-up of the stake
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[Scott H in Wheaton]

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So if anyone else has been down this road or has input from a woodworking standpoint I'd appreciate any feedback or input.

[Scott H in Wheaton]

Some progress...
Attached the fenders
Fit the stakes in the pockets
Cut the side boards to size
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[Scott H in Wheaton]

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